RA's Journal, Day15, Sat, Oct 22, 2011

Today’s Question:

Question (SMS Question):

For your Malaysian leg, considering the weather, what is the best cycling gear to have on taking into account the distance you’d be doing and with all the weight?

Answer:

To be honest, there is no right or wrong gear for you to be putting on. There are many other long distance cyclist here and I think each and every one of us has a different preference. But since you asked, I will share with you what I have tried, and what works and what doesn’t.

I tried the casual gear on my first day and those were my favorite attire. The yellow cotton shirt and my kaki bermudas. I wore that practically daily for my casual cycling outings and sometimes during trainings. I felt good the first 30-40km on the first day of my trip and that was very early in the morning. As the sun started to rise, it got uncomfortable and began to bother me, as well as hindering my cycling momentum. I changed to my proper cycling apparel, 2XU (sponsored by Kepypower International) and from then on I would never think of riding long distance without 2XU apparel again. Of course there are other brands of cycling apparel you can get in other bike shops, and if budget is no issue, give 2XU a try. So yes, for long distances with unpredictable weather especially the heat, try to put on something proper. For me the good thing about the 2XU apparel was that I it kept me cool when it was hot and when I rode in the rain, it dries up in no time. The long sleeve compression top was also awesome to protect my arm and give me warmth when I rode in wet weather. What I brought was two pairs of cycling jerseys, 2 padded cycling shorts and a pair of compression top.

* You can get 30% discount if you mention, Rahim Resad, Adventure Cycling for Humanity 2011 – Indonesia *

Day 15, Friday: Ipoh, Perak – Singpore (00km)

Total mileage: 825km

* Going back home to get the knee and ankle checked *

It was pissing down with rain last night and my plan to ‘people watch’ didn’t happen as there wasn’t anyone out on the street last night. I didn’t sleep well either. The accident during the day affected me really bad. I spoke to couple of people and I want to take this opportunity to thank David and Alison for taking good care of me even though I was very far away from them.

Basically I had two plans. One, was to stay put in Ipoh, rest and work from here (if there was any work that needed my attention) and spend about RM500.00 on lodging and food. Two, head back to Singapore, sort my knee and ankle and get whatever gear that needed to be repaired and fixed done (my riding shoes and rear panniers needed stitching after 12 days of solid riding). I chose plan No.2, and faced another problem. After a few calls to the bus companies in Ipoh, none were willing to take the bike on the bus, citing that there was no space for a bicycle.

* This is not true. I did check before, the compartment below the long distance 22 seater bus in Singapore and in Malaysia has a special compartment to slot in 2 bicycles. *

I browse my phone contact and saw an army friend that is currently working in Five Stars Tour as a Branch Manager. From there I called up Five Stars Ipoh office and was told that it’s possible for me to go home with the bike if the bus is “High Deck”. What is “High Deck”? There are basically 4 types of long distance buses. The 40-44 seater old busses plying the inter-state in Malaysia, like those you see that operates the Singapore – Johore leg. The other one in slightly modern 40-44 seater going inter-state in Malaysia. The third, 22 seater High Deck. Like double decker buses but can only seat above. The lower deck is for crew to sleep and luggage. (See picture below). The fourth is a Double Deck. Seats above with a chill out lounge below. You learn something new every day reading my journal. *smile*

The Five Star High Deck bus

I was asked to go to a pre-arranged location the next day at 0900hrs (9am Malaysian time) to see if they could do something to help me. This was not as easy as I found out today, usually the local branch won’t know what sort of bus will arrive in Ipoh from Singapore. I know Five Stars operates the 22 seater Single Deck, 22 seater High Deck and 22 seater Double Deck. If the worst was to happen, I would leave my bike with David’s friend in Ipoh and wait for Alison to come pick me. I left everything for tomorrow to sort itself out. I rubbed my knee and ankle with the special oilmen and tried to get to sleep. I couldn’t, no matter how hard I tried. I just couldn’t get the accident out of my mind. I’ve come this far and going back was not something I am looking forward to do. I went out from my room, sat at the café outside until I was tired and went back in to try to get some rest.

Time Check: 0500hrs (5am Malaysian time)

I was wide awake by this hour. I got up, packed everything and went to shower. I had no idea what is going to happen today. I didn’t have any concrete plans, like I always did for the past 14days – wake up, pack up, ride, take pictures, makan, ride and ride into new places.

Time Check: 0600hrs (6am Malaysian time)

I did some yoga that June Koh thought me while we were in Malacca for a cycling holiday 4-5 weeks ago but the pain stopped me. I wrapped my ankle and just laid on the bed some more. Funnily, I had this crazy idea to pedal slowly to Kuala Kangsar – 10kmh and I could arrive Kuala Kangsar by 1700hrs (5pm Malaysian time) if I leave now. Not that I would, but I could. The question was, how far could I keep going?

My ankle this morning

Time Check: 0700hrs (7am Malaysian time)

I brought everything out slowly and steadily. I spied the same X-trail police car (this is the civilian colored car and I can tell it’s a police car – don’t ask how I know) upfront and this time with two gentlemen out behind standing facing the street smoking. I took the back streets behind quietly as I didn’t want to attract attention. I rode around Ipoh’s back streets from the place I stayed last night to check if my ankle could pedal to the pre-arranged bus meeting point.

The back street behind my hotel

Time Check: 0730hrs (7.30am Malaysian time)

I rode to the Five Star office and there wasn’t anyone there. Next door were a few long distance bus offices and with people in it so, I went over. I asked at least 3 bus companies and none were willing to take in me & my bike on their bus. Feeling a little disappointed, I rode the back streets again back to the motel. Why the back streets road? I couldn’t handle the bike well, pedaling with a bad ankle. I thought using the back streets would be good for me as I don’t want to endanger other road users and of course I do not want to fall in the middle of the road and get hit from behind.

Pedaling around Ipoh

One thing I must comment is that the Ipoh back streets were really clean. There was no rubbish. Try riding in Singapore back streets between 5-8am, you’ll see stuff you don’t want your kids to see.

Pedaling through the clean back streets of Ipoh

Time Check: 0800hrs (8am Malaysian time)

In no time, I was back at the café outside the motel. I had arranged to meet the same gentleman from yesterday for breakfast. We reached the kopitiam almost at the same time and I bought him and myself breakfast and chatted away.

*Yus, if you reading this, thank you for everything. Do contact me if you’re in Singapore with the family. *

Time Check: 0900hrs (9am Malaysian time)

I rode back to the pre-arranged meeting point and saw a huge Five Stars bus parked along the road. I rode straight to Five Stars office and the branch manager was there. Everything was sorted within minutes. I unload my panniers and loaded it on the bus. All within minutes and the bus left Ipoh, Just like that. Five Stars has got the best customer service compared to the other three that I visited. The best part was that I got see the old road that I used to ride into Ipoh because the bus needed to pick 2 up dudes from some part outside Ipoh. I was quite impressed with myself looking at the road that I was on, pedaling a bicycle with a 50 kg load. I smiled and just sat there thinking, “wow, having never ridden long-distance on a bicycle before this, it was hard to believe that I have come this far and can now say - I have done it”.

Time Check: 1000hrs (10am Malaysian time)

We were now on the North-South highway heading South towards Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor and all the way to Singapore. If you have the opportunity to be on the bus to a destination which takes longer than 8 hrs, don’t be on it! They distract you with drinks, foods, toilet stops and movies. After 3 movies and with all the toilet stops are done, there was still freaking 4 more hours to go! I watched three movies that I missed watching in the cinemas. All good but I couldn’t remember the titles as I was dead tired. I fell asleep couple of times and didn’t even wake up during the lunch stop. I didn’t know how tired I was until I got on the bus. The adrenaline of the cycling adventure and the will to finish it made me forget everything else. I was glad that I was on the bus home to do some body repairs before the big one ahead of me – Indonesia.

Time Check: 1700hrs (5pm Malaysian time)

We arrived in Johor Checkpoint and everything went so smoothly. I like the efficiency on this side of Malaysia. All neat and nice and I can see in 5-10 years down the road, Johor will be something like the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. The real test was on Singapore side, where I needed to unload my panniers and lug through customs. I was limping and carrying 5 bags with me and no offered me any help. Not that I needed it, but it was just disappointing. I mean come on, a guy with five bags limping and no one bothered to offer a helping hand? Welcome to the world’s most self-centered country on earth, Welcome to Singapore – where everyone thinks only for themselves.

Editor’s note:

I don’t know about the title of the “most self-centered county on earth”. But I guess with all the smuggling of contrabands and illegal stuff going on and all the tricks these people use to try to get pass the authorities, travelers sometimes have to be self-centered for their own protection at all border checks (road, sea or air). It probably is a combination of both of these that causes travelers to be cautious and self-centered. I would want to help but this thought would come into my mind and stop me from helping.

Time Check: 1800hrs (6pm Singapore time)

Arrived in Golden Miles and it took me only 5 minutes to set my bike and off I went, slowly home. I did call up my few old bros to tell them I that I was am home.

That it’s it for today, and while waiting for my journey to continue, David and I will write on some stuff that I couldn’t write while I was on the road. I will also answer more questions, and yes, the picture of the two hand signals would be up on my next posting. Feel free to call me, sms or email me if you do have any question(s). Don’t be shy.

Three things that made me smile today:

1. Despite having to make a very difficult decision, I made the right one.
2. Knowing I have friends everywhere I go.
3. Knowing that I did total of 825km on a cheap bicycle with load and saw more places than when I was driving my car.

RA's Journal, Day14, Fri, Oct 21, 2011

Today’s Question:

Question (SMS Question):

What sort of gadgets you brought with you and why?

Answer:

Hi, with me I have two phones with chargesr, one netbook with charger, one adapter, one camera with charger, one headlight with charger, one handle torch same charger as the headlight, one Garmin GPS, SD cards and a few more I can’t remember. And I think that I have explained why I brought those things. Keep up the support!

Day 14, Friday, Oct 21, 2011: Ipoh – Kuala Kangsar (50km)

Route: Ipoh – Chemor - Kanthan – Sungei Siput – Salak Baharu – Kurai – Kuala Kangsar

Accumulated distance travelled: 825km

* It didn’t happen as my bike and I dropped in a pothole on the way in to Chemor! *

I slept well last night in a decent ground floor motel room, falling asleep listening to Class 95FM internet radio. The room was filled with huge mosquitoes, I managed to kill them all. One mosquito was so fat, that I could see the blood splattered on the wall when I smacked it. Gross.

Last night before going to sleep, I walked around Ipoh's sleezy part. I felt safe as there were police everywhere patrolling the streets even at the motel there was a Police X-trail parked at one of the parking lot (I am not sure why the cops were there). Though the night’s activities were “thriving” here, the police were doing a good job controlling it. Ipoh- ‘Bandar yang Ceria’ (Malay meaning Ipoh – Cheerful/Happy City), I like the slogan… I’m very happy here.

Time Check: 0800hrs (8am Malaysian time)

I got up early even though I had a big tough ride the day before. As per routine, I packed everything and cleaned myself, brought the bike out front and chatted with the motel staff… None could offer me a good history of Ipoh town. I think they were all foreigners.

Time Check: 0900hrs (9am Malaysian time)

I was out on the road by this time. I rode around Ipoh city, visited the old/colonial Railway Station and felt that I would still love to take a train from Singapore to Ipoh when I finished this adventure. I went to Medan Makan Sagor (Malay for Sagor Food Court), recommended by David Lee, oh my… this place is like Ipoh breakfast heaven. The black coffee and roti telur was just delish, heaven. (See picture below) So good! Next was the Nasi Lemak. Sedap! I rode around Ipoh town some more and notice that this city was very organized and clean. Public transport looks good too, and the one thing I liked here in Ipoh is that the people are all very friendly. I got stopped a lot and, chatted everywhere. I felt so popular here. Even at the traffic lights, people would shake my hand and gave me the thumbs up. One dude asked me to follow him for Ipoh white coffee and I was glad I did. We are friends now. Sir, if you reading this, thanks!

Ipoh's colonial Railway Station

The delicious Roti Telur at Medan Makan Sagor

Time Check: 1000hrs (10am Malaysian time)

Like my ride from Teluk Intan to Ipoh yesterday, I took my time to ride out from Ipoh. I went to places I wanted too, stop when I saw a coffee shop with crowd, chatted with just about anyone and found out more about the story behind Ipoh town and how it got its name – Ipoh, and especially the famous white coffee. Ladies and gentlemen, I am the guy you should look for to make good Ipoh white coffee. I have got the recipe.

Editor’s note:

Brah, when we meet next you better make me the totally delish Ipoh White Coffee that I miss so much…. None of the Old Town Ipoh White Coffee chain outlet crap.

Time Check: 1100hrs (11am Malaysian time)

I left Ipoh town after chatting with a policeman and, for today, I would be riding along Route No.1 heading Northeast towards the small town of Chemor. I was doing 10-15kmh. No, I wasn’t tired or anything I just wanted to soak up Ipoh town and its suburbs. I stopped at every 10km marker and sat along the road (if I find it safe to do so) and just soaked up the surroundings, took pictures.

Ipoh's main & historic field

Time Check: 1200hrs (12pm Malaysian time)

I stopped along Jalan Kuala Kangsar for a Nasi Kandar lunch. Nothing special but from here I knew I would be in beautiful Kuala Kangsar for early dinner, and I knew I was doing good time. I left the Nasi Kandar place inch by inch still taking my time, knowing the traffic was heavy going out from Ipoh on Route No.1. What’s the rush since I knew that I could hit Kuala Kangsar by 1700hrs (5pm Malaysian time). My plan was to rest in Kuala Kangsar and take on Taiping the next day (Saturday). It would be on one of the toughest route into Taiping and my mental strength would be tested here.

Jalan Kuala Kangsar, Ipoh

Time Check: 1300hrs (1pm Malaysian time)

I was now just outside Chemor, coming down from a gradual hill. A very tight road with an unusually high kerb on my left. The motorcycle lane was not very well maintained with loose sand on the lane. It was my standard practice to check my side view mirror every now and then to see if there were any vehicle behind that were coming close to me. During this check of my mirrors, I saw a small Kancil coming fast, overtaking a lorry/truck from the left using the motorcycle lane. I wasn’t sure if he is going to slow down, so the next thing I did was to raise my hand to indicate that I was in-front and suddenly there was a strong impact from my bike dropping into a pothole. I manage to lower my right hand back down immediately to stabilize the bike but my ankle took the impact really hard. I continued for another 10 meters before I had to stop. The pain was excruciating and I would have to be crazy to keep going on. I just sat by the side of the road thinking what to do next. “I need ice”. After about thirty minutes of rest and wrapping my knees, I pushed my bike and made a turn to get across the road to the coffee shop opposite for ice.

Time Check: 1400hrs (2pm Malaysian time)

I stopped at every coffee shop along the way back to Ipoh city and drank a cup of Ipoh white coffee slowly until I got back to the city again.

Time Check: 1600hrs (4pm Malaysian time)

I was back in Ipoh city and manage to get my new Ipoh friend to look for me at a pre-arranged coffee shop. Here, I also spoke to 1 experience long distance cyclist and friends, before making the decision to stop and rest to give time for me to heal completely from my injuries before heading back to Kuala Kangsar, Perak to continue and finish this leg before hoping over to Medan, Indonesia as originally planned.

Visit to the doctor to get my ankle checked out

Editor's Note:

Glad you are not seriously hurt and safe brah. Very good decision, "live to fight another day". The rest for your injuries to heal will be great for health and your safety for the remainder of your ride.

In the meantime, I will get myself and my bike sorted out. David and I will try to write more on the places I’ve been and so people can visit, makan and ride/drive.

Overall Ride:

A very good experience. I was reminded today to give 100 percent whenever I am on the road. If I was less focused, something worst could have happened.

Three things that make me smile today:

1. Fantastic breakfast of Roti Telur and Nasi Lemak.
2. Got to know a nice gentleman this morning.
3. I was safely back in Ipoh after what I thought was a scary moment.

RA's Journal, Day13, Thu, Oct 20, 2011

Today’s Question:

Question (SMS Question):

When are you going to show us the two hand-signals you used to communicate with other road users?

Answer:

Pic 01:To make myself more visible, I raise my right hand, "Hi, I am here..."
Pic 02: I will slowly stretch out my hand to indicate, "I need this much space..

Hope the above helps

Day 13, Thursday: Teluk Intan – Ipoh (95km)

Route: Teluk Intan – Bidor – Ayer Kuning – Kampar – Simpang Pulai - Ipoh

Accumulated distance travelled: 825km

I thought it was really a good called to do a short and easy ride yesterday from Sabak Bernam to Teluk Intan, so that I could have an early rest. I knew that today’s ride to Ipoh would be a tough one to crack and I needed all my concentration to get there. It was really a hard call to be only doing a 40km day, but the strategy paid off. I am now safely in Ipoh café writing this report, dry but feeling really knackered from the hard ride out from Teluk Intan and into Ipoh.

Time Check: 0800hrs (8am Malaysian time)

I got up a little late today. I didn’t hear both my phone and my wrist watch alarm. I manage to get out of bed at 0800hrs (8am Malaysian time), packed everything and washed up. I totally forgotten the breakfast appointment I made with a new friend in Teluk Intan. I dropped her a quick SMS and to apologize.

Time Check: 0900hrs (9am Malaysian time)

When I got down with my gear, the hotel owner happened to be downstairs, I chatted with her for a while. A very nice lady who has managed the family hotel business for about 30 years. I’m glad I woke up late and hung around for a little while with her because a group of young thugs (looking like a drug addicts) tried to get a room and she flatly said no to them. They hesitated to leave the hotel and got another friend to talk to the lady owner, again she said NO. The thugs looked at me and asked where I was heading and I made a mistake telling them my destination. It’s the morning thingy, the mind working slowly. They left after that and I counted there were about six of them squeezed in car. The hotel owner confirmed my curiosity and told me to change my destination to be safe, thinking that they might be waiting for me outside Teluk Intan on the route to Ipoh. "You don't scared to get rob?". She blurted. I open my eyes wide giving her the 'What the F@&$ look?" I never thought of that ever since I started to pedal in Malaysia. I had this believes that if I am cool to people, in return they will be cool to me.

“They will give me problems. Dirty the rooms, take drugs in there… If you were not with me, they would have given me trouble…”

We shook hands, hugged and took one obligatory photo before I said my goodbyes to her. A very lovely lady.

Leaving Hoover Hotel & Tea House, Teluk Intan, Perak

Time Check: 1000hrs (10am Malaysian time)

Earlier on while talking to the hotel owner, I received an SMS from my Teluk Intan friend to meet her at the Teluk Intan Bus Terminal, so I rode there to see what was up. After hearing about my knee, she wanted me to take a rest from cycling and take the bus to Ipoh. Nice gesture and I did give it a thought but politely declined. Well, the bus only leaves at 1400hrs (2pm Malaysian time), between now and the bus departure time, I can cover many clicks. I assured her that I was ok and promised to drop a message when I am in Ipoh.

Time Check: 1030hrs (10.30am Malaysian time)

I left the bus terminal and since the thugs knew my general destination and not to face problem, I change my route a little, instead of the straight forward Route No.58 from Teluk Intan to Kampar. I rode Southeast and back tracked a bit to get onto Route No. A148 to Kampar. In my mind, I was a tad worried that I would cross path with the thugs. I did not want to get into a fight and my objectives for being in Malaysia was solely riding my bicycle, meet nice people, eat and take pictures. I rode cautiously out of Teluk Intan and stayed ever vigilant, looking very far ahead.

Last night before I go to sleep, I plotted a total of five check points. Generally, I wanted to hit Eastward to Bidor from Teluk Intan on Route No.58. However, because of this morning’s minor incident with the young thugs, I back tracked down South for about 10km before heading Northeast and entering Route No. A148, from there I cuts into padi field gravel tracks following the power lines to get back to Route No.58. I must say Route No.A148 is one of the most beautiful roads in Malaysia so far as I have ever seen. Matured trees lined the roads, wide motorcycle lanes and very shady.

The gravel road that took we away from Teluk Intan

Time Check: 1130hrs (11.30am Malaysian time)

After exiting the gravel track, I was on Route No.58 and the road opened up, freshly surfaced, flat like an airport and with motorcycle lane that was the width of a car. I grit my teeth and paced at speeds of 25-30kmh powering mostly with my left leg. This was to get me as far away from Teluk Intan as fast as I could. I did not want to meet the young thugs along this quiet stretch.

Time Check: 1200hrs (12pm Malaysian time)

Instead of heading East wards to my first original Check point of Bidor on Route No.58, I did a quick reconsideration and changed my plan, and entered Route No.70 heading North passing a small town name Langkap. This wasn’t in my plan but sometimes I needed to think on my feet and make drastic changes in my plan. I pedaled for about 10 clicks more and I thought I saw Jerry’s blue land rover! (see picture below) Well, it turns out the owner was a local, Uncle Poh, an oil palm plantation owner. I continued on Route No.70 and the first warung I saw at Kampung Kunci Air, I stopped for a late breakfast and re-plotted my route. Now, it looks like I would be doing some climbing towards Kampar town.

Editor: RA, I bet you thought that Jerry was staking you

when you saw the blue Landy (behind) .... 8D

Kampung Kunci Air, Langkap. Planning my new route and load
more fuel of 'salted rice balls'

Time Check: 1230hrs (12.30pm Malaysian time)

I was doing good time and now 30 km away from Teluk Intan and 65km from the city of Ipoh. The weather by now getting hot and I was very exhausted from the earlier pace to get out from Teluk Intan fast. Now, I rode slowler to my next check point of Ayer Kuning, pacing at 20kmh powering mostly on my left leg. I passed a police post and entered to report in. My routine just to make sure they know I passed this stretch of the road.

Time Check: 1330hrs (1.30pm Malaysian time)

I reached Ayer Kuning town with the rain welcoming me. I found shelter in a Chinese temple and put on my rain gear. To be very honest, I like the rain. It kind of cools me down but it’s a little troublesome and dangerous to be riding in the rain.

I rode slowly controlling my bike, made sure I checked my side view mirror as often as I could and worked on with the hand signals to communicate with the lorry behind. So far, it’s working for me. Usually when I see the big boys coming from behind, sometimes even car that’s too close to me, I will raise my hand and I’ll get the friendly ‘I see you, buddy’ honk. Once I hear them honking, I will stretch my right hand out 90 degree telling them ‘I need this much space’ and another friendly, ‘I got it’. (Picture in my next report)

Time Check: 1430hrs (2.30pm Malaysian time)

I was still on Route No.70, coming down from the climb into Kampar and heading Northeast, after crossing the KTM Rail track, I turned left at the ‘T’ junction and entered the dreadful Route No 1. Remember the Route I took from Seremban into Kajang and then to Kuala Lumpur? This is the same route. The moment I head north towards my next Checkpoint of Simpang Pulai, the climb started. I bitched like a woman and I like that. I made a mental note to visit Kampar for a holiday. Heck, I should do a drive holiday to all the places I visited here in Malaysia! Just at the edge of Kampar town, I decided to ‘throw in the towel’ after seeing a nice new motel. I have so many reasons to stop here like, avoiding further damage to my right knee. But my conscience wanted no parts of it. Below was the conversation we had;

Editor: RA are you contemplating the Cameron Highlands route?

Me: I think I should just stop here, I am tired and in pain.

My conscience (MS): Stop? Pain? This is the time you grab your balls and be a man!

Me: Oh yea? Why don’t you pedal and let me do the talking?

MS: Pain is good! It tells you that you are still alive! Now stop bitching and go on. You trained for this daily. 50km is chicken feet. You can do 100km anytime.

Me: Well, I did 45km back there!

MS: That 45km even a woman could do it, that was easy. Now go finished this and if you want to rest. Rest in Ipoh.

Me: F#$*!

After that conversation, I paced at 30kmh on the flat powering using my left leg mostly and 20kmh on the climb. I kept going through the rain, pedaling the ups and cruising on the down, telling myself that I had trained for this. It was all in the mind now. It was all mental. Pain is good, it tells me I am alive. I kept pushing and pushing until just outside Simpang Pulai at the traffic lights, a bunch of roadies came alongside, smiled and gave me the salute. It is raining again and I celebrated the fact that I was now 15km outside Ipoh. I can do this.

Time Check: 1600hrs (4pm Malaysian time)

Knowing that I was now 10km outside Ipoh in Simpang Pulai traffic junction, I stopped for my late lunch of Nasi Campur with the roadies waving me good bye with the thumbs-up sign. I needed all the carbo as I lost 12kg ever since I left Singapore, so I went for a second helping. I finished up the agar-agar on my table too and all for RM7.00 (Ringgit Malaysia), life was good in Malaysia, so far. I left the warung after loading enough carbo and my tummy happy.

Simpang Pulai Nasi Campur warung. Aliran Mentar. The best!

Simpang Pulai, 15km outside of Ipoh

Time Check: 1700hrs (5pm Malaysian time)

I cruised into Ipoh slow and steady with both my legs tired from the hard ride. I entered the first lane I saw and searched for the best price hotel/motel. I got one that had a ground floor room as I was too tired to unload my bike and just wanted to clean up and crash early. I will tour around Ipoh tomorrow when I am up. My knees are no good for pedaling now and I will decide what to do when I wake up tomorrow. Do give me your suggestion and I am happy to hear from you.

My end ride routine .... journal for David

Overall Ride: Hard 95km, under intense heat and through the rain and climbing.

Three things that made me smile today:

1. Know my navigational skills was still good.
2. Meeting roadies and getting saluted.
3. Reaching Ipoh safely and getting a nice SMS

RA's Journal, Day12, Wed, Oct 19, 2011

Today’s Question:

Question (SMS Question):

What the best route from Singapore to Pulau Penang?

Answer:

Hi, thank you for your SMS and the best wishes. The best route, would depend what you want to achieve and which mode of transportation you’re going to be on. I’m using mostly the coastal Route No.5 and if I’m bored with it, I’ll head for the inland Route No.1 for some climbing training. The good thing about using these old roads are that you’ll get to see more, passing the Malaysian old towns and if you’re lucky, staying at the best hotels at reasonable rates. If time is an issue for you, use the PLUS Highway and you’ll be in Pulau Penang in about 8 hours.

Day 12, Wednesday: Sabak Bernam – Teluk Intan, Perak (40km)

Accumulated distance travelled: 730km

After a really wet ride, I quickly did my laundry so it would be ready by tomorrow morning, before sorting out my bicycle, such as getting it cleaned and oiled. I am glad to be staying in a proper place instead of camping out. I believe I achieve much less if I am not staying at a homestay.

Today I woke up a little late at 0700hrs (7am Malaysian time), as I slept a little late watching local Malaysian television channel, TV3. I love the show ‘Cinta Elysa’ – I thought the it was the best from Malaysia and the show after that was good too, Jiwa & Lana. I should watch TV again when I am back home.

Time Check: 0730hrs (7.30am Malaysian time)

I am up and cleaned, packed and gave my route map another look. I was keen to head on to Lumut town 80km away from Sabak Bernam town but I am not sure of the terrain considering my knees. I plotted in my checkpoint of Hutan Melintang, Simpang Empat, Batak Rabit and Teluk Intan. I walked around outside the homestay for about 20 minutes to get my body warmed and my knees to work a little.

Time Check: 0800hrs (8.00am Malaysian time)

I was back inside the homestay and brought all my gear and bike out, getting it ready for today’s ride, a short 40km on a flat Route No.5, and then into Route No.58. One thing I didn’t capture was the size of the road, if it was going to be tight, I might take a little longer.

While loading my bike, I did catch up with the Homestay owner and I got a short tour of the compound. In total, there are about 16 Kampung house and each house can take in three guest. All equipped with standard hotel inventories, but this Homestay gets my thumbs up for being big and costing RM60 (Ringgit Malaysia) for each house.

Leaving the homestay

Time Check: 0900hrs (9am Malaysian time)

I said my goodbyes to my new friends and the Homestay staffs. I rode slowly out on the Kampung road back to Route No.5, onto a huge bridge, out of nowhere crossing the Selangor – Perak border. Immediately after the bridge, I spotted a roadside warung and made a stop for an easy light breakfast. I am enjoying the food in the kampungs so far. Breakfast, RM 3.00 (Ringgit Malaysia) for a mix of Fried Bee Hoon, Nasi Lemak, Teh Ais Limau, and two bottles of water with ice. WOW!

My breakfast

The bridge crossing the Selangor-Perak border

Time Check: 1000hrs (10am Malaysian time)

I left the roadside warung onto the superb Route No.5. Exactly the same like from Muar to Malacca with a dedicated motorcycle lane! I took my time pedaling easy mostly powering with my left leg. I arrived at my first checkpoint a small town of Hutan Melintang within 30 minutes and bypassed it. I wanted to hang around for the special coffee here but I was being watched by a group of youngsters. Feeling uncomfortable, I moved on. Just 10km ahead on my second checkpoint of Simpang Empat, I entered a Shell petrol station to cool down from the heat. I was glad I did. I met a young local pump attendant, name Imran. I got to hear from him about the old back road and was told not to go on it as there were high hill at some sections, where even his motorbike has trouble climbing it. I check my route map and made a note that I would not be passing that stretch.

Time Check: 1100hrs (11am Malaysian time)

I entered the next checkpoint of Batak Rabit. I saw there was BBQ rabbit, deer meat on sale and more. I passed that. Other than that, there was nothing else to see unless I got behind and used the back road. I decided to I skip that too. I rode slowly towards my last checkpoint of Teluk Intan. I was at only moving at 10kmh, saving my energy for the battle of Ipoh the next day.

Time Check: 1200hrs (12pm Malaysian time)

I reached in the middle of Teluk Intan and pedaled straight to the ‘Leaning Clock Tower’. I took the obligatory shot, rode around Teluk Intan and found a fantastic Nasi Campur stall. I regretted not having more :p Here I met a nice baba family and as usual, I would ask question on the history of the town and places I can go. They declined a photo. I was recommended to go to Hoover Hotel and Tea House along Jalan Sultan Abdullah. I am now here writing this report and resting for tomorrow’s ride. I am not sure how long more I can go on with my battered knee and I had just spoken to my doctor and I was told if it’s the same tomorrow, I will need to have a change of plans.

The leaning clock tower of Teluk Intan

Overall Ride: Easy 40km but under intense heat.

Three things that make me smile today:

1. To be able to go on a little bit more and crossing the border between Selangor and Perak.
2. Having the best Nasi Campur so far on my entire trip.
3. Reaching Teluk Intan safely.

RA's Journal Day 11, Tue, Oct 18, 2011

Today’s Question:

Question (SMS Question):

Are you ok? Where are you now?

Answer:

I am ok but my right knee is slowing me down. So now, I need to re-plan my route to make sure I won’t do any climbing en-route Teluk Intan, Ipoh, Taiping (in Perak) and to Georgetown, Penang. If the pain doesn’t go away, I might have make a drastic change of plan. My policy for this adventure has always been, ‘Safety first’. I’m now writing this in Zamita Homestay, Sabak Bernam, after a hard battle from Kuala Selangor. Technically I am pedaling mainly my left leg as my right knee doesn’t feel good after the fall on Saturday night.

* By the time you read this, I might be making my way to or would already be in Teluk Intan, Perak. *

Day 11, Tuesday: Kuala Selangor – Sabak Bernam (70km)

Accumulated distance travelled: 690km

I woke up a little late today with a recurring pain in my left and right knee, which I suspect was a result of the fall on Saturday night. I stayed in bed a little longer to get both knee warmed up by rubbing a special oil on it. My left knee was from an old injury so, I am not surprised with it, but it is the right knee that has been bothering me so far from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Selangor.

For today ride, I’ve plotted 6 checkpoints, all 10km apart from each other – Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor, Tanjung Karang, Sekinchan, Sungei Besar and my last check point would be Sabak Bernam, where I would call it a day.

Time Check: 0700hrs (7am Malaysian time)

I got out from the bed and washed up. I’m familiar with the routine now. My morning packing of the panniers and mounting it on the bike got slightly faster. I finished and secured all the gear and was ready to go within 15 minutes. I did some warming up, stretching, and rode around Kuala Selangor to check if I’m good to do the 60-70km from Kuala Selangor to Sabak Bernam. The right knee wasn’t working well and the thought of staying for another day in Kuala Selangor was laid on the table for me, myself and I to discuss. I am ahead of schedule by 2 days, I can afford to hang around Kuala Selangor for another day or two. But my conscience doesn’t agree with me. It took the three of us 20 minutes to agree to be strong and go on. I hate my conscience and didn’t talk to him all through the trip until Sungei Besar town.

Time Check: 0800hrs (8am Malaysian time)

After the ‘chinese parliament’, we decided to continue with the journey to Bukit Melawati. I had planned to use the old backroads out from Route No. 5 to Sungei Besar, and to find the famous padi fields of Sekinchan. It was a little risky. Firstly, I don’t know how well my knee will cope. Secondly, I knew nothing about the route geography, and lastly I don’t have the detail route map for this area. I did refer to google maps the night before but it didn’t have any clear indication of the geography.

Time Check: 0830hrs (8.30am Malaysian time)

I arrived Kuala Selangor town and stopped for a light breakfast. People here are a little slow. For example, the coffee shop waiter, he stood for a minute or two looking at me, completely at a standing still after taking my order.

“I want 2 roti canais with one ice limau.” I ordered. The Indian waiter just stood still, staring at me for a minute or two before repeating my order. “Yes!” I said. And again, he just stood there for another minute before walking away from my table. Then, came back after taking a few steps away to repeat my order again. I am like, “Awak sakit ka?” (Malay for "Are u sick?")

Time Check: 0900hrs (9am Malaysian time)

I made my move out from Kuala Selangor real slow. I don’t feel so good about my knee so I just pedaled real slow to get my body warm. My first checkpoint would be Bukit Melawati. There is some sort of local attraction up the hill. What is up there? It’s the hang out area of local black monkeys. I was told ‘tame black monkeys will surround you, jump on your shoulder and won’t bite.’ Sounds fun, right? No!

Leaving Kuala Selangor

When I was climbing slowly up to Bukit Melawati, one black monkey jumped down from the branches above onto my handlebar bag and tried to stay on while I was pedaling up the hill. I shook my handle hard to throw the lone monkey off. Next thing I knew, I was surrounded by what seemed to be about 20 black monkeys. I didn’t want to be a dude that got attacked by wild monkeys, I quickly check my right blind spot and shook my handle hard again to scare the sole monkey of my handlebar bag and made a quick gateway back down the hill. I was in a little shock but I thought maybe this is normal for the local people in Kuala Selangor.

Time Check: 0930hrs (9.30am Malaysian time)

I was now on well on the way to my next checkpoint of Tanjung Karang, just 15km out from Kuala Selangor. Nothing special along the way except for a very tight Route No.5. Here was where I made used of my special hand signal to get some space whenever a big vehicle was approaching me from behind. It was really tiring to be sharing the roads with the big boys, and so I decided it was time to look for the back roads of Kuala Selangor. After asking around, an old villager gave me the directions. I found it within 10 minutes. Not as easy but my instinct took over and guided me to where the entry point was and when I hit the dirty old road, I knew I’m now on what is known as the ‘Jalan Jepun’ (Malay for Japanese road). The old road the Japanese troopers took heading south towards Johor during World War 2.

Resting at a checkpoint

Time Check: 1000hrs (10am Malaysian time)

I rode on the old back roads from Sekinchan all the way to Sungei Besar. It was a quiet road and most time, I was all by myself. It went on for miles after miles. Once a while, a motorist would come by and pass me. Friendly honking and friendly exchanges of waves whenever we pass each other and some would even, shout out the greeting, ‘selamat pagi’.

Time Check: 1100hrs (11am Malaysian time)

Headed further inland, in an easterly direction. I knew I was straying far from my actual planned route north-westerly on Route No. 5. It was an experience I did not want to miss. Imagine the view with nothing in front, back, left and right but padi fields for miles. What a sight. I turned north whenever I could so I could make my exit to Sekinchan or Sungei Besar town whenever possible.

Riding with the famous Sekinchan padi fields on both sides

Time Check: 1200hrs (12pm Malaysian time)

I was still in the middle of the padi fields and it got so hot and with no shade around me. I stopped for ‘fuel’, loading up on banana and salted rice balls. Then, kept going north now, with Sekinchan town far behind me. Next, I needed to get to Sungei Besar for lunch.

Nothing but padi fields all around

Time Check: 1300hrs (1pm Malaysian time)

It got hotter and I was heading Northwest again nearing Route No.5. The first fruits stall I saw, I quickly approached it and took shelter and loaded more bananas. I rested here for at least an hour before continuing my journey to Sungei Besar town, my next checkpoint.

Time Check: 1400hrs (2pm Malaysian time)

I reached Sungei Besar town and stopped at the first ‘Warung Nasi Ambeng’. Power! After lunch, I rode around Sungei Besar. Nothing special here and no hotel / motel with ground floor room. I set my GPS under ‘lodging’ and it brought me to a posh resorts near the sea. I am in no mood for fancy accommodations so, I left Sungei Besar and headed towards my final and last checkpoint of Sabak Bernam.

Time Check: 1500hrs (3pm Malaysian time)

About 5km outside Sungei Besar town, I saw far North the clouds were gathered. By now I was tired and my right knee refused to cooperate. I reluctantly dismounted and got on my rainproof gear. I stood for about 10 minutes looking at the dark clouds up north and also looking at the oncoming cars to see how wet they were to figure out how heavy the rain would be. After observing the oncoming cars, I knew I was going to be riding into another storm again! “What? Turn back to Sungei Besar? No, we ride though it and be in Sabak Bernam”.

Time Check: 1530hrs (3.30pm Malaysian time)

I was in the middle of Kuala Selangor storm. It was the heaviest storm that I’ve been through my entire journey. The next warung I saw I got in, and it happened to be a fellow 4x4 owner. He wasn’t at the stall but his wife was. A nice lady and I am ashamed to have forgotten her name. I sat there chatting with her and slowly villagers started to gather. Ma’am, if you reading this, thank you for the great hospitality. Please say hi to me here and I will add you on my facebook

Warung owner with her family & 4x4 in the background

Time Check: 1700hrs (5pm Malaysian time)

It was very unusual for me to be still not to have reached my checkpoint at this hour but the rain was still pouring. I geared up and set to leave the stall at 1730hrs (5.30pm Malaysian time) to continue towards Sabak Bernam. It was again very dangerous and tight roads heading towards Sabak Bernam. I rode real slow and made sure to use my hand signal to get some space from the lorry/trucks.

Time Check: 1800hrs (6pm Malaysian time)

Reaching Sabak Bernam and it was already dark. I was wet, tired and no had hotel! When push came to shove, I would need to camp. I checked my GPS and followed it west towards the beach to find a camp spot. Riding through a village, a family hanging outside their kampong house stopped me, offered me a cup of hot tea and chatted. It was getting darker and I asked the magic question. ‘Boleh tunjuk di mana saya boleh berkhemah?’

‘Camp?’ The wife ask

‘Yes!’ I replied with a smile.

The husband went in, brought out a helmet and ask me to follow his bike. A few hundred meters later, I was at a homestay! A beautiful homestay! I am now writing this at Zamita Homestay in a big room with everything inside. What else can I asked for. I was going to rub both my knees and the go to bed.

Dinner at Sabak Bernam

Overall Ride: Beautiful scenery. Not as easy as I thought but I am coping.

Three things that make me smile today:

1. To hear from my darling
2. Found the old road and the beautiful padi fields.
3. Reaching my destination safely and I am now dry and clean

RA's Journal, Day08-10, Oct 15-17, 2011

Today’s Question:

Question (SMS question):

How are you feeling today? Extending your stay in KL?

Answer:

I am feeling good. I feel brand new after 2 solid days of rest. Thanks to Alison and family, David Lee, Safwan and June for making me feel this way. I am not extending my stay and I am now in Kuala Selangor after an easy 60km travelling on Route No.54, then heading in a West-North West direction back on to the coastal road, Route No.5.

Note:

It wasn’t on my Day 07 journal. I had a minor accident whilst having dinner at Souled Out in Mont Kiara. I was alright on Saturday and Sunday, but today, peddling the 60km up and down the hills of Selangor, my right leg felt strained at the spot where I fell and hit it hard. We shall see how it holds up tomorrow when I would be cycling 65km towards Sabak Bernam. If the pain is going to slow me down I might modify my plan.

On Days 08 and 09 (Saturday and Sunday) I had a rest at the home of Alison Murugesu-Ghani, and I thought I would share a little about it.

Day 07, Friday, Oct 14, 2011, night at KL:

Upon arriving at Mont Kiara, I proceeded to clean my bike, chatted with Alison, Adrian (Alison’s son) and her mum, and took some time out on at the balcony chilling with happy juice and reflected on my day’s ride. It had been one tough ride so far, and coming into KL during peak hour traffic is crazeeeeee …. I won’t be doing that again.

At Alison’s place I met Norman, a musician from KL, we chatted a little before I made my way downstairs to meet Safwan and June for dinner at Souled Out, which was nearby. A very cool and interesting place and I highly recommend people to check out the place should they be visiting Mont Kiara.

L-R: David, Norman, RA

I had a bad fall after dinner. It happened when I wanted to stand up, my legs felt numb, my right leg caught one of the dining table legs and I fell over, my fall was broken by my right knee. I felt alright that night but after my up hill rides today, I felt the pain.

Day 08, Saturday, Oct 15, 2011, KL rest day:

I woke up at 0500hrs (5am Malaysian time). I didn’t sleep well last night. My mind kept thinking about my route out of Mont Kiara. I needed to find at least one old road to take me out from Mont Kiara, then I could find my way West or North West back onto the coastal road.

I couldn’t fall back to sleep. I just laid there on Adrian’s bed staring at the ceiling. I got out of bed at 0700hrs (7am Malaysian time), washed up, made myself a cup of coffee and just enjoyed the view from the 22nd floor.

The view from the 22nd floor

At 0800hrs (8am Malaysian time), I received a call from Safwan informing me that he would be there to get me at 0830hrs (8.30am Malaysian time). We were headed to Nottingham University for an all girls Ultimate Frisbee tournament. I am a very lucky guy.

Me: Where is Nottingham University located, Safwan?

Safwan: Semenyih

This I had to see. I brought along my route map to see how long it would take to reach Semenyih from Mont Kiara by car. Can anyone guess?

We stayed at Nottingham for about 2 hours before heading out to see Broga Hill nearby in Broga district, Selangor. In the afternoon, David brought me out to eat INDIAN ROJAK (the KL people had some other fancy name for it). Oh, My God. It’s so delicious! Delish!!! If you’re in KL, head to Petaling Jaya (PJ) and if you’re looking for the INDIAN ROJAK, good luck – like I said earlier, people in KL have some fancy name for it - Baksambur. I think there is a song for it too.

Editor’s note:

RA the Indian roajak is also called pasembor. The name is from Penang. KL people don’t call it that, only KLites from the North will refer to it as that. It’s available in other parts of the Klang Valley too, not just PJ. The one we went to in Section 17 of PJ happens to be one of the better ones in the Klang Valley. BTW, I have never heard of the Baksambur song. U should sing it to us when we next meet…. Hahaha :D

Enjoying the "Delish" pasembor/indian rojak

After the Indian rojak, we roamed around PJ, got my rear pannier fixed (I’ll write more on it later), went for “teh tarik” (Indian Pulled Tea) and drove around some more. We went to Taman Tun, One Utama, The Curve and more. These are places that I have never been before or has changed since the last time I visited PJ and KL. Heading back to Mont Kiara, David drove onto a network of the ‘spaghetti” flyovers’ which got me completely confused. When we got back to Alison’s place, I continue with my route planning to find a way out of Mont Kiara.

Pannier repair

I crashed out at my usual bedtime of 9.30-10.00pm, while David and Alison was still chatting in the living room. * Sorry guys, I am lousy at staying up late :p

Alison & David

Day 09, Sunday, Oct 16, 2011, KL rest day:

I slept like a log last night, and the first thing that was on my mind when I woke up was, ‘I need to find a way out of here.’ I really don’t want to be on the semi highway again – the way I came in. I thought it was just too risky. Breakfast this morning was a simple nasi lemak from the Mont Kiara street stall. Sedap! (Malay for delicious). While Alison, Adrian and her mom was out for Sunday family bonding, I got on with trying to map my route again. I headed downstairs and walked around Mont Kiara to find the best place to start peddling out from Mont Kiara. Every turn lead me to the ‘spaghetti flyover’ and every small corner was blocked by developers working on a new residential project. Oh well, I walked back to Alison’s and will just find a way out of Mont Kiara tomorrow, no point letting it spoil my Sunday.

I didn’t go anywhere today, just rested up and prepped myself for the next day’s ride. Serviced my bike, packed and re-packed my gear after the rear right pannier gave way on Day 05. We had a big late lunch and really a great Sunday afternoon tea of IKEA curry puffs. Thanks, David! We chatted as we had tea on topics such as off-roading, rainforest and adventure, and I when raised the topic of ‘cooking knives’, too my surprise, my Kuala Lumpur buddies got out their arsenal and they had more knives than any gangsta I know!

I also brought the 2 kids (Sean and Adrian) down to kick some ball and go for a swim. Later on, Alison asked if I want to see the ‘old road’ out of Mont Kiara? I sure did. She drove me around and showed me the route. Heck, the old road was just next door to Mont Kiara. Ok to be fair, it passed through Kampung Segambut Dalam. I smiled again after we drove through it. Alison then brought me to the other parts of Mont Kiara as well. Oh man, Mont Kiara and The Curve has got so many places that I need to explore when I return here. Thank you, Alison! On the way home, we stop along the way to buy the best makan available in Mont Kiara for dinner!

The wonderful and sumptuous meal

After the sumptuous meal, I did a quick once over my gear and bike, and went to bed by 2200hrs (10pm Malaysian time).

Day 10, Monday, Oct 17, 2011, KL to Kuala Selangor (60km):

Accumulated distance travelled: 620km

Its was so difficult to wake up today, knowing I am will be leaving all my buddies shortly. I got up at 0700hrs (7am Malaysian time), washed up, made coffee, and hangout on the balcony for a good look at Mont Kiara again.

At 0900hrs (9am Malaysian time), Alison brought me to Bangsar (another suburb in KL) for medicine resupply. I must say Bangsar was really a beautiful suburb. Clean and manicured. Everything was in place and proper. Even the trees were all lined-up symmetrically. I actually thought it looked a little like the suburbs in Melbourne, Australia.

When we got back to Alison’s place (an hour later), it was one last check of my bike, had a cup of coffee and it was time to hit the road again. At 1100hrs (11am Malaysian time) did some last minute tightening of the bike’s gears and re-checked the repaired rear right pannier to make sure all was well, did some obligatory photo snapping, then rode out the main gates of Alison’s place. I headed of slowly down the route which Alison showed me last night.

Leaving Mont Kiara, KL

(photo by Alison Murugesu-Ghani)

I rode heading West and North-West, getting onto the coastal road on Route No. 5. I wasn’t very familiar with the route that I was taking so I rode slowly. My muscles also needed some adjustment from the 2 days of rest. Riding at about 10kmh, with the aim of covering a distance somewhere between 50-60km today. The target was to hit Kuala Selangor around 6pm and quickly locate a place to rest.

The old road took me out of Mont Kiara for about 10km until I saw the ‘Sungei Buloh and Kuala Selangor’ sign. I followed it and it brought me back to the semi highway I was on earlier with Alison when coming back from Bangsar. I had no choice but to enter it cautiously. Everyone was nice enough to give this dude way and some even gave me a friendly honk and the thumbs up! One stopped ahead of me and offered me a can of coke. *smile*

Finally, back on the old road again (around noon), I could afford to relax a bit now. It’s really tiring to be riding with fast moving vehicles next to you. I was now about 15km out of Mont Kiara and heading North-West towards Kuala Selangor. At around 1300hrs (1pm Malaysian time), I stopped at a famous Indian makan stop name City (my god, I forgotten the name) some 20km out of Mont Kiara along the Kuala Selangor road. The place was recommended by the dude who gave me the can of coke earlier on. Before leaving, I check my GPS and route map and based on what I saw, there would be about 15km of climbing, switchbacks and small tight roads. I didn’t like what I was getting into.

I shoved off from the lunch stop at around 1330hrs (1.30pm Malaysian time) and made my way steadily towards my next check point, a small town named Ijok. Like the Port Dickson to Seremban road, I again felt it was really hard for me to pedal, on even what looks like a flat road. I was only going 8-10kmh on average here. A check on the GPS showed that I was doing a gradual climb. I dropped my gearing until there wasn’t any more to drop. The road getting tighter, the switchback showed up and the climbing started. The headwinds made everything seemed even more difficult for me to move forward. All of last weeks training was tested here. The heat was directly on my face and with lorries/trucks passing right beside me, I was busy controlling my heavy bike from swerving out right. It was a hard 15km of work.

Small shrine/temple at Ijok

After peddling for about half an hour, I thought that there wasn’t any point to beat the climb on a tight road with a lot of blind spots, so I stopped to take a picture of the road and sat for while. It was then that I remembered reading an article on a road cycling safety and on how I could make my ride safe and myself visible. Communicating with other motorists using hand signals. There were just two signals (I will post the pictures when I get the chance to do so later). I got on my bike and continued climbing for a little bit more before the road started to descend. I loved this moment, I was hitting speeds of 50kmh and wished it wouldn’t end. With a little bit more pedaling, I reached Ijok town and got the riding space I wanted – at least 1 – 1.5 meters and on a tight road, this is something.

One of the many tight corners

A time check at 1500hrs (3pm Malaysian time), Kuala Selangor was another 20km ahead of me. The winds were getting stronger from the front and the road felt like a frying pan. I made a stop underneath a brand new highway (E25) for a little while and chatted with the contractors there. Interestingly, this particular highway (LATAR) wasn’t in my GPS and my route map. So, I plotted it in with the curious contractors crowding around me to check out what I was doing.

At around 1600hrs (4pm Malaysian time), the weather was starting to take a turn for the worst. The clouds got darker and as luck would have it my right knee couldn’t bend (I suspect it was the result of the fall on Saturday night). I packed up my stuff, got on the bike and try to hit the last 20km in double quick time to avoid the storm. Boy I was scared shitless here. The lightning struck very close to me at one point and I thought the next one would be even closer. I was riding on a very tight road, no road shoulder, no motorbike lane, like the ones in Johor and Malacca. Adding to this there were also cows on the road. Another lighting and thunder, and the cows were all over the place and I was smack in the middle of it! One of the cows got hit by a slowing down lorry/truck. All I could do was just stand still and looked which way the cows were going to run. I was actually quite lost at that moment. The cows were now gathering in the middle of the road, I couldn’t just stop and waited for them to move aside, so I inched slowly towards them. After passing the herd of confused cows, I headed on at full speed doing 25kmh to get into Kuala Selangor before the storm. I stopped at the first sign of shelter. A nice receptionist at a budget hotel took me in from the rain and gave the Wi-Fi password. I was wet and thought, why not just stay the night here at YH Hotel along Jalan Taman Rhu and Jalan Rhu Satu. Nice room, friendly staff and good food next door. Dry and fed, my right knee was good for now, so we shall see how much beating it can take tomorrow. There will be a bit of climbing to take place up Bukit Melawati to Sabak Bernam, some 60-70km away from Kuala Selangor.

Overall Ride: hard, strong head winds, painful right knee, hot and wet.

The 3 things that made me smile today:

1. Using the old road to get out of Mont Kiara.

2. Went to Bangsar.

3. Arriving my destination safely.